Date: 3/10/03 8:58 PM

I am new to list and don't know if I am doing this right.  I would like to purchase a stand alone cover/chain stitch machine.  I looked at the Baby Lock and was impressed but it is a bit pricy for just sewing coverstitch.  I would like feedback on which one and what you like/dislike about your choice.  There are some much cheaper machines but I don't want cheap if it is just junk but I don't want to spend a lot of money for just a brand name.  I would appreciate your help.
TIA
Bo

Next page>>

Date: 3/14/03 6:10 AM

Hi Bo - I have the Bernina 009DCC.  I've had it for a few years and have been very pleased with it's performance.  I bought it after becoming too frustrated converting my sergers back and forth for coverstitch - that was such a hassle (to me anyway).  It is a very simple machine to use.  Unfortunately I haven't even seen any of the other brands - at the time Bernina was the only company that had a coverstitch-only machine.  You might check into used machines too - I picked up a 2nd, nearly new, 009DCC for $200 a few years back.

Next page>>

Date: 3/19/03 8:28 PM

Gigi,

Do you know what a new Bernina cover stitch is now?  I have a 334DS Bernette and considered getting a new serger just for the cover stitch ability.  Now, I'm thinking just a cover stitch machine will do.  I'm still very happy with the Bernette  and would hate to "steal" money from my stash fund to get a new serger when all I want is the cover stitch.  Charmaine

Next page>>

Reply to Bo
Date: 2/27/06 11:44 AM

I'm also looking for a machine with a coverstitch. I've decided to upgrade my current Baby Lock serger, which is just a plain old serger that I have to change the plate for a rolled him, plus no differential feed, to a new one with coverstitch ability and differential feed. Baby Lock only has the stand-alone machine and like you said are so pricey. I've been researching a bit and gone to a couple of dealers to test drive. I'm impressed with the Elna. You can still get a good coverstitch with only 4 threads and has lots of stitch variations. I've also looked at the Pfaff, but couldn't demo the day I was in due to the lack of a knowledgeable clerk. I think it is more economical for me anyway to buy an all-in-one machine like these than a stand-alone and let my daughter use my old serger to begin on.

Anybody with any other info on all-in-one's versus stand-alone and their experiences with different brands?

Next page>>

Date: 2/27/06 6:44 PM

I have a Jamone Compulock which can be converted to coverstitch. The first few times I didn't mind the conversion but that wore thin very quickly. I bought a stand-alone Brother coverstitch machine and couldn't be happier. The Brother is easy to use, can do 2 or 3 needle cs and chainstitch - all I need. Now I can make a knit top "from scratch" in less than 1/2 hr. without stopping to convert.

HTH,
Lizz

Next page>>

Date: 2/27/06 7:07 PM

My serger changes to a coverstitch but it is a pain. I just bought a Janome Coverpro 1000 a couple of weeks ago. Haven't gotten to use it much but I think I will like it. I drove the Babylock, too but just didn't want to spend that many $$$$. The Janome was a lot cheaper and will suit me fine. There are lots of Coverpro 1000 owners on here so I'm sure you will get more feedback. It's worth a testdrive!

Next page>>

Date: 2/27/06 7:35 PM

Given how much I find myself going back and forth between the serger and the coverstitch, I can't imagine having to repeatedly convert on a dual machine. I vote for stand-alone.

I have a Bernina 009dcc that I *love*. Works like a champ. I'm considering selling it though (to move up to the mucho expensivo BL that Peggy mentioned), so watch the PR.com classifieds.

------
Leslie

Next page>>

Date: 2/27/06 8:09 PM

I too am enjoying my stand alone BL coverstitch. I have an evolve which does the coverstitch, but switching back and forth got to be a pain, as I like to coverstitch a lot of the seams after I serge them on t shirts. I only have one BL dealer around, but this year he offered the coverstitch at his big yearly sale for $$$ less than last year and I actually got it for the same price the the Janome coverpro is going for. Maybe it is the competition . It's a great little machine, and I haven't regretted spending the money. I suggest shopping around, and don't be in a rush to buy.

Next page>>

Date: 2/27/06 9:21 PM

JMHO : There are different features on CS machines. Some have just a wide coverstitch, others have both a wide and narrow and using different needles positions. Also three thread coverlock plus chain stitch.
There had been a whole lot of discussions on CS machines in past threads. Try doing a search in the machines section for input from owners of different machines.

The best recommendation is to buy the one that meets your needs now and for at least the next twenty years. I am hoping my mechanical only type without computor components, will last forever...well see me out anyway :)

-- Edited on 2/27/06 9:23 PM --

------
Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age and dreams are forever.
We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.

Next page>>

Reply to KCDanceMom
Date: 2/27/06 9:27 PM

I have posted several times before why I purchased my Elna 744 over a stand alone coverhem. I wanted a triple seamed Coverhem and the Bernina 009 coverhem model ( the only stand alone model locally) was the same price at the time as the Elna and the Bernina only did the double seam coverhem and it seemed awkward to thread and use. The 744 is very easy to convert by just threading the chain looper and tilt the needles for changing and add a little table and tensions are already set automatically but can be overidden if needed. You don't have to change the foot or plate like on some sergers and your color threads are already set up to use without threading another separate machine with more thread. Coverhems on the Elna are also more easily removed by using the needle tension release button to stitch off. Janome since I purchased my Elna came out with their coverhem models and one does the triple seam cover and the prices are much better than some of the other brands and their owners seem to love these machines. Babylock has the triple coverhem also I believe and Babylock is also known for their high quality and good service but are a bit pricey. I suggest test driving to see which model is best suited to you.

Next page>>